Update: I now have symptoms. COVID-19 and asthma--questions

[popmom]

I have asthma. I've tried to research this on my on, and I'm at a loss right now as to what to think. The articles I've read and press conferences I've watched mention COPD as a risk factor, but they never mention asthma. I'm scheduled to see my primary care doc next week, so I will ask him. But I know him, and I wouldn't be surprised if he completely blew off any concerns I have. I really only go to him to get refills and he's just a few minutes from my house and because it's cheaper than seeing a specialist. 

Things I need to clarify (and don't trust my current primary care doc to know about): Should I start Pulmicort again? On the huge COVID thread I saw it mentioned that steroids could make it worse. I usually rely on a Medrol Dose Pack when I have an exacerbation.

Am I in the same risk category as those with COPD? I am almost 50 yrs old.

I just found out that I am scheduled to teach 2nd-3rd grade boys Sunday School starting in April. If you were me, would you practice "social distancing" and back out? I've taught kids' Sunday School off and on for many years, and there's no way to be in a classroom with them and not get exposed to their germs. 

Edited March 29, 2020 by popmom

[Acadie]

Wish I had answers, but basically I have similar questions. Dh turns 50 this summer and has asthma. It's been well-controlled for several years, but before that it wasn't uncommon for him to end up in the ER with a bad cold or flu. He doesn't have a regular pulmonologist, and has only seen primary care once since his long-time doc left the practice, so no doctor who knows him to consult. 

If your gut is questioning whether teaching the class is the right thing for you now, I wouldn't hesitate to back out. Chances are good they'll find someone else, or Sunday School might be called off come April anyway. 

 

[melmichigan]

34 minutes ago, popmom said:

I have asthma. I've tried to research this on my on, and I'm at a loss right now as to what to think. The articles I've read and press conferences I've watched mention COPD as a risk factor, but they never mention asthma. I'm scheduled to see my primary care doc next week, so I will ask him. But I know him, and I wouldn't be surprised if he completely blew off any concerns I have. I really only go to him to get refills and he's just a few minutes from my house and because it's cheaper than seeing a specialist. 

Things I need to clarify (and don't trust my current primary care doc to know about): Should I start Pulmicort again? On the huge COVID thread I saw it mentioned that steroids could make it worse. I usually rely on a Medrol Dose Pack when I have an exacerbation.

Am I in the same risk category as those with COPD? I am almost 50 yrs old.

I just found out that I am scheduled to teach 2nd-3rd grade boys Sunday School starting in April. If you were me, would you practice "social distancing" and back out? I've taught kids' Sunday School off and on for many years, and there's no way to be in a classroom with them and not get exposed to their germs. 

We were just talking about this on the main wuhan thread.  Some research is showing inhaled corticosteroids are being used and showing promise in treatment of a small number of patients with COVID-19.  I don't want to repeat everything here, but you might check p. 90 for links.  I just restarted my Pulmicort, but I will avoid systemic steroids if at all possible.

Edited March 8, 2020 by melmichigan

[Pen]

I don’t think asthma is in same risk category as COPD, no.  

[hippiemamato3]

I would start the Pulmicort as a precautionary measure. Asthma can get very serious very quickly. 

[Pen]

You might want to look into NAC n acetyl cysteine too

[Paige]

There's a reddit AMA from some doctors working with the coronavirus...they say asthma is considered high risk. You'll have to scroll down a ways to find it. I have similar questions. I saw my doctor last week and he wasn't helpful. I have cough variant asthma, so I wonder if that makes my risk different. I almost never wheeze but I do vomit if it's bad. I am still getting over a virus I got back around New Year's and I am unsure if I should restart the nebulizer until my cough is completely gone. The doctor wasn't concerned about my cough but I'm even more self conscious in public now. 

 

[Pen]

On the class teaching—yes, I’d practice social distancing and back out. 

[popmom]

27 minutes ago, Paige said:

There's a reddit AMA from some doctors working with the coronavirus...they say asthma is considered high risk. You'll have to scroll down a ways to find it. I have similar questions. I saw my doctor last week and he wasn't helpful. I have cough variant asthma, so I wonder if that makes my risk different. I almost never wheeze but I do vomit if it's bad. I am still getting over a virus I got back around New Year's and I am unsure if I should restart the nebulizer until my cough is completely gone. The doctor wasn't concerned about my cough but I'm even more self conscious in public now. 

 

Thank you for sharing. I have cough variant, too. My previous primary care doc in another city (the one who took my symptoms seriously and led to my diagnosis), emphasized that cough variant is STILL ASTHMA. He did not want me to minimize it at all. I can totally relate to the coughing to the point of vomiting. I do also wheeze when I have an exacerbation--sometimes triggered by a cold.

[MEmama]

Following.

DS has asthma and my list of questions for his doctor keeps getting longer. He’s the one I worry about the most in my family.
 

We have an international trip planned for April, and wonder if our travellers insurance would consider asthma to be a medical condition worthy of us needing to cancel or delay our trip.
 

The steroid thing concerns me, since he is dependent on his. I don’t really understand the possible connection but trust that the experts do. 😉 

Edited March 8, 2020 by MEmama

[geodob]

" Corticosteroids should be avoided, because of the potential for prolonging viral replication as observed in MERS-CoV patients, unless indicated for other reasons. [31, 40–42] For example, for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or for septic shock per Surviving Sepsis guidelines for adultsexternal icon and childrenexternal icon."
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html

[PrincessMommy]

My daughter has asthma as well and I've been wondering the same thing.  Thanks for starting this thread.  It's only been in the last 2 yrs that she has been able to avoid the ER in the spring and fall.

 

[ktgrok]

Are you having symptoms now that would have you using the inhaled steroid?

If not, I don't think I'd add it in as a preventative - but I'd use it at the first sign of symptoms. Do you monitor your peak flow? That might let you know when or if to use it. 

On the other hand if you are supposed to be using it I wouldn't stop. 

As for how it would effect things, if it makes you more susceptible, I'd read up on the medication and see if one of the side effects is increased risk of catching a respiratory virus. Usually it will tell you if that is one of the risks. 

Edited found this:

Because this drug works by weakening the immune system, it may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. 

So I'd say, I would not start using if it you normally don't, as it wil lower your immune system. But monitor peak flow (or at least pulse ox) and call your doctor for directions if anything changes. 

Edited March 8, 2020 by Ktgrok

[melmichigan]

8 hours ago, geodob said:

" Corticosteroids should be avoided, because of the potential for prolonging viral replication as observed in MERS-CoV patients, unless indicated for other reasons. [31, 40–42] For example, for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or for septic shock per Surviving Sepsis guidelines for adultsexternal icon and childrenexternal icon."
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html

Yes, these were systemic corticosteroids, which decrease the bodies ability to fight infection.  They are now actually using inhaled steroids in Japan to treat COVID-19, because it doesn't have the same systemic impact, but decreases the inflammation and virus spread in the lungs.  Here are some posts from main thread link, link.  

I have asthma, I cough.  I only wheeze when I need to be hospitalized or on systemic corticosteroids.  It is a very late stage symptom for me.  I did spend some time comparing the medication used in Japan to my current inhaled corticosteroid.  😉

Edited March 8, 2020 by melmichigan

[popmom]

Ciclosonide is the inhaled steroid. that was used with success in Japan. The brand name is Alvesco. It's expensive, and most insurance won't cover it. I'm going to ask for it though when I go to the doctor.

Those who are worried about their children with asthma. To my knowledge there have been no deaths among children younger than 13 or 14. And surely many of the kids that came through just fine had asthma. 

[melmichigan]

Studies have shown that inhaled steroids via nebulizer are as effective in regards to small particle as Alvesco.  My pulminologist will only prescribe Pulmicort nebulizer for my asthma specifically because the smaller particles are more penetrating in the lungs for my type of asthma.  YMMV.  Alvesco is only via inhaler and it’s claim to fame is once daily dosing and small particle results similar to those via nebulizer, which is why most insurances won’t cover it.

Edited March 8, 2020 by melmichigan

[popmom]

3 minutes ago, melmichigan said:

Studies have shown that inhaled steroids via nebulizer are as effective in regards to small particle as Alvesco.  My pulminologist will only prescribe Pulmicort nebulizer for my asthma specifically because the smaller particles are more penetrating in the lungs for my type of asthma.  YMMV.  Alvesco is only via inhaler and it’s claim to fame is once daily dosing and small particle results similar to those via nebulizer, which is why most insurances won’t cover it.

I've never used a nebulizer.

[melmichigan]

The same reason most insurance companies won’t cover it is also a benefit to its use in the situation of COViD-19 where personnel don’t have the time and equipment for nebulizers.

[Tap]

My daughter with severe asthma is the one I worry about. She has so many small risk factors that add up to make me a worried mama. The rest of us just have mild asthma and recover from illnesses fairly easily. 

She lives in  Las Vegas which is a city they are concerned about because or world wide travelers/conferences/hospitality industry as a whole. She doesn't work in the hospitality industry but works in a small grocery store (aka a place people still go when sick).   Her asthma has been horrible since moving there a year ago. Way worse than here in the PNW. She has to use higher that recommended daily doses of her steroid inhaler (pulmonologist oversees her meds) on a daily basis. These inhalers also make her more suseptable to pneumonia and viral infections. She flew  last week and again this coming week (March)back and forth from Las Vegas to drum roll......Washington (aka hot spot state USA). LOL Ohhhh....and she had a systemic staph infection in fall and again in winter which led to a heart infection. Oy! She has barely recovered from all of that infection, although her visit last week was for medical appointments and her heart has 'recovered' from the infection with only minor damage, so that is very, very good. That damage just makes her a higher risk factor for future infection.

I am sure she will get it. It is inevitable, whether this month or in the fall....it is coming to her body and lungs. I messaged her pulmonologist this weekend to ask him to help us formulate a game plan. I hope he is willing to assist her and not make her get a new doctor where she lives, but I think he will. This means I will be out of the loop and she will have to try to manage on her own. 😞 He is her long time pulmonologist and knows her very complicated history. It can be hard to find a pulmonologist that treats her asthma aggressively enough. 

Ugh....too much to worry about the what iffs, but I gotta get a game plan in place to let my brain rest. 

 

[Pippen]

I wouldn't start Pulmincort if you aren't experiencing symptoms. My asthma treatment plan is to start Pulmincort and levabluterol at the first sign of any respiratory symptoms. If I wait until asthma symptoms appear, then I wind up medicating longer than if I go after it preemptively.

[melmichigan]

2 minutes ago, Tap said:

My daughter with severe asthma is the one I worry about. She has so many small risk factors that add up to make me a worried mama. The rest of us just have mild asthma and recover from illnesses fairly easily. 

She lives in  Las Vegas which is a city they are concerned about because or world wide travelers/conferences/hospitality industry as a whole. She doesn't work in the hospitality industry but works in a small grocery store (aka a place people still go when sick).   Her asthma has been horrible since moving there a year ago. Way worse than here in the PNW. She has to use higher that recommended daily doses of her steroid inhaler (pulmonologist oversees her meds) on a daily basis. These inhalers also make her more suseptable to pneumonia and viral infections. She flew  last week and again this coming week (March)back and forth from Las Vegas to drum roll......Washington (aka hot spot state USA). LOL Ohhhh....and she had a systemic staph infection in fall and again in winter which led to a heart infection. Oy! She has barely recovered from all of that infection, although her visit last week was for medical appointments and her heart has 'recovered' from the infection with only minor damage, so that is very, very good. That damage just makes her a higher risk factor for future infection.

I am sure she will get it. It is inevitable, whether this month or in the fall....it is coming to her body and lungs. I messaged her pulmonologist this weekend to ask him to help us formulate a game plan. I hope he is willing to assist her and not make her get a new doctor where she lives, but I think he will. This means I will be out of the loop and she will have to try to manage on her own. 😞 He is her long time pulmonologist and knows her very complicated history. It can be hard to find a pulmonologist that treats her asthma aggressively enough. 

Ugh....too much to worry about the what iffs, but I gotta get a game plan in place to let my brain rest. 

 

I can sympathize, until recently I was on double the dosage on my inhaled steroids, and nasal steroids.  I have always ended up hospitalized with anything respiratory, and that's scary when thinking that the hospitals may not be able to cope with the number of people needing respiratory treatment, like they are experiencing in Italy.  I hope you are able to come up with a game plan. <<hugs>>  

[ktgrok]

54 minutes ago, melmichigan said:

Yes, these were systemic corticosteroids, which decrease the bodies ability to fight infection.  They are now actually using inhaled steroids in Japan to treat COVID-19, because it doesn't have the same systemic impact, but decreases the inflammation and virus spread in the lungs.  Here are some posts from main thread link, link.  

I have asthma, I cough.  I only wheeze when I need to be hospitalized or on systemic corticosteroids.  It is a very late stage symptom for me.  I did spend some time comparing the medication used in Japan to my current inhaled corticosteroid.  😉

That quote wasn't for systemic, it was for the pulmicort itself. Less risk than systemic, but still a risk. 

[Negin]

Our son has viral-induced asthma. We will most likely need to cancel our trip to Europe this June. We will lose our money on the flights. Even travel insurance won't cover anything, since our decision to not go will be done voluntarily. Trip or no trip, we're worried about him and my elderly parents. They're both quite healthy, but they're old. 

[Tap]

3 minutes ago, Negin said:

Our son has viral-induced asthma. We will most likely need to cancel our trip to Europe this June. We will lose our money on the flights. Even travel insurance won't cover anything, since our decision to not go will be done voluntarily. Trip or no trip, we're worried about him and my elderly parents. They're both quite healthy, but they're old. 

Check your policy. If you have a medical clause, you may be able to have his doctor write a letter and get at least a partial refund.

[prairiewindmomma]

37 minutes ago, melmichigan said:

The same reason most insurance companies won’t cover it is also a benefit to its use in the situation of COViD-19 where personnel don’t have the time and equipment for nebulizers.

Nebulizers also increase the risk of aerosolization...which may be why Japan is favoring this inhaler over using a nebulizer.

[melmichigan]

1 hour ago, Ktgrok said:

That quote wasn't for systemic, it was for the pulmicort itself. Less risk than systemic, but still a risk. 

Can you please help me narrow down where you might have found that?  Page 5 specifically states systemic corticosteroids. They are certainly controversial https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30361-5/fulltext

Edited March 8, 2020 by melmichigan

[MEmama]

48 minutes ago, Tap said:

Check your policy. If you have a medical clause, you may be able to have his doctor write a letter and get at least a partial refund.

That’s what we are planning to do for our international trip in April. If it’s going to get as bad as I think it will, a letter may not be necessary, but I’d like one in my back pocket on the good chance we’ll want to cancel regardless.

[ktgrok]

3 hours ago, melmichigan said:

Can you please help me narrow down where you might have found that?  Page 5 specifically states systemic corticosteroids. They are certainly controversial https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30361-5/fulltext

I'm honestly not sure which but it was one of those websites that lists all the information about different drugs. Rx.com or something. 

Mayo clinic's website says it may weaken immune system in the precautions section. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/budesonide-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20071233?p=1

[melmichigan]

1 hour ago, Ktgrok said:

I'm honestly not sure which but it was one of those websites that lists all the information about different drugs. Rx.com or something. 

Mayo clinic's website says it may weaken immune system in the precautions section. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/budesonide-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20071233?p=1

Now I understand, you are talking generally, not specific to COVID-19. I agree with you, generally speaking,  but systemic corticosteroids are being discouraged for COVID-19 by the WHO, while some cases are specifically being treated and resolved with inhaled corticosteroids in Japan.

Edited March 9, 2020 by melmichigan

[Arcadia]

I’m supposed to be doing my homework so I didn’t read the whole thread yet.

https://community.aafa.org/blog/coronavirus-2019-ncov-flu-what-people-with-asthma-need-to-know

“Some people have concerns about the steroids in their asthma inhalers weakening their immune system. What should people know about inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone)?

You need to make sure your asthma is under control. This often requires the use of inhaled corticosteroids (and sometimes oral corticosteroids). Inhaled corticosteroids do not likely reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections, but oral corticosteroids may. It is important to use the steps above to protect yourself to limit your exposure to any respiratory virus.

Do you recommend that people refill and stock up on asthma medicines?

I always recommend that people with asthma have a supply of their medicines. Nothing I’ve seen with COVID-19 would suggest to me that you need extra supplies. I would suggest you have enough medicines for a 14-day quarantine, if that were to happen.
 

If people received their pneumococcal vaccine, does that provide any protection for developing pneumonia from coronavirus?

No. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against a bacterial pneumonia (from streptococcus pneumonia), but it will not protect against the pneumonia that COVID-19 causes.”

[Negin]

On 3/8/2020 at 5:23 PM, Tap said:

Check your policy. If you have a medical clause, you may be able to have his doctor write a letter and get at least a partial refund.

I'm going to try that approach. We're quite sure that we won't be able to travel in June. Unfortunately, with people being idiots, being careless and selfish, this virus is not going away anytime soon. 

Yesterday, I read this:

"11 new cases in Israel. All people entering Israel now must be quarantined. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'After a day of complex discussions, we have made a decision: Whoever arrives in Israel from abroad will enter quarantine for 14 days. This is a difficult decision but it is essential to maintaining public health, which takes precedence over everything. This decision will be in effect for two weeks. At the same time, we will make decisions to safeguard the Israeli economy.'"

If only all countries would do this. Public safety should come before personal privacy. 

Edited March 10, 2020 by Negin

[Acadie]

I recently heard Anthony Fauci MD include asthma in a list of risk factors for more complicated disease. We all know this, on some level, but it helped me and dh to think more seriously about ways to protect him with his asthma. He's working out at home or outdoors now, instead of at the gym, and skipping optional large group events. I'm relieved--it's sometimes hard to convince him to take preventive health measures.

Of course there's no data on what that actually means, or relative risk for various chronic lung conditions. But it seems logical to me that severe COPD in an older person might involve greater risk than well-managed asthma in a young person. 

Edited March 10, 2020 by Acadie

[Arcadia]

Crosspost 

found a backdoor

https://writening.net/page?FC3QPm

“Approximately 2 days after starting ciclesonide, pyrexia of 37.5 ° C or higher was not observed, oxygenation was improved, SpO2 was maintained at 95% or higher in room air, and hypoxemia during body movement was improved. The appetite was remarkably recovered, and the tube feeding was stopped, since about 1,200 kcal could be taken orally in 2/22. The whole-body feeling of fatigue was also improved, and the indoor independent walking became possible. It was judged that the symptom was improved, and SARS-CoV-2 negative was confirmed by nasal cavity wiping liquid PCR on 2/25 and 2/26 day, and the patient left hospital on 2/28. The pneumonia image was obviously improved by CT (2/27) before discharge (Fig.4). At present, inhalation of 400 μg 2 times a day is continued until the completion of the kit, and outpatient follow-up is planned.”

[PeterPan]

On March 8, 2020 at 5:14 PM, MEmama said:

That’s what we are planning to do for our international trip in April.

If it involved Europe, it just got canceled. I guess assuming you want to get back in the country. 

[popmom]

I've been researching tonight. Apparently, the only official stats we have about risk factors come from a small sample out of Wuhan. And asthma is not included as a risk factor. But plenty of doctors out there are cautioning that just as an asthma patient can end up hospitalized from cold or flu, it stands to reason the same applies to COVID 19. It will be interesting to see if/when data comes out of Italy.

[popmom]

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/03/these-underlying-conditions-make-coronavirus-more-severe-and-they-are-surprisingly-common/

Asthma action plan

Beyond cardiac health, the coronavirus outbreak has serious implications for people with chronic respiratory illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or allergies, as well as for people with lung damage linked to smoking. Even mild cases of a cold or the flu can aggravate these conditions, increasing one’s chances of landing in the hospital.

https://www.freep.com/in-depth/news/health/2020/03/11/coronavirus-michigan-how-stop-spread-covid-19/5018919002/?fbclid=IwAR1eLQKprpR_rk4A8qn6bjy6VQ3U3olieJIwUSis6mIgajRF1hguchnyI60

"Seniors and people with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes, asthma, heart disease or a weakened immune system are at highest risk for COVID-19 complications.

In addition to following general recommendations, they also should avoid crowds, such as at sporting events, rallies, concerts and large community gatherings where there could be people who are carrying the virus."

Edited March 12, 2020 by popmom

[TravelingChris]

On 3/8/2020 at 7:55 PM, melmichigan said:

Now I understand, you are talking generally, not specific to COVID-19. I agree with you, generally speaking,  but systemic corticosteroids are being discouraged for COVID-19 by the WHO, while some cases are specifically being treated and resolved with inhaled corticosteroids in Japan.

In a person like me or many others, who are on long term systemic steroids and are steroid dependent, all of us should keep taking our steroids.

[TravelingChris]

26 minutes ago, popmom said:

I've been researching tonight. Apparently, the only official stats we have about risk factors come from a small sample out of Wuhan. And asthma is not included as a risk factor. But plenty of doctors out there are cautioning that just as an asthma patient can end up hospitalized from cold or flu, it stands to reason the same applies to COVID 19. It will be interesting to see if/when data comes out of Italy.

Probably because asthma patients have died over there even before the outbreak--- after all China's air polllution in Beijing is the equivalent of smoking 4 packs of cigarettes a day.  

About three years ago, I was figuring out which countries I cannot go visit.  And the worse country for me was China.

[melmichigan]

1 hour ago, TravelingChris said:

In a person like me or many others, who are on long term systemic steroids and are steroid dependent, all of us should keep taking our steroids.

Very true!  The recommendations referenced that I was referencing were only in treatment of COVID-19 that weren’t already on systemic steroids, and as mentioned, there is a lot of disagreement between studies when speaking of systemic steroids.  Many newer studies are contradicting the older studies on previous Coronavirus, but the WHO is sticking to the older recommendations for now.

Edited March 12, 2020 by melmichigan

[J-rap]

On 3/8/2020 at 3:19 PM, Negin said:

Our son has viral-induced asthma. We will most likely need to cancel our trip to Europe this June. We will lose our money on the flights. Even travel insurance won't cover anything, since our decision to not go will be done voluntarily. Trip or no trip, we're worried about him and my elderly parents. They're both quite healthy, but they're old. 

If you know you'll be cancelling and that as of now you wouldn't get money back, then I'd hold off cancelling.  It could be that in another few weeks, the airlines will be offering refunds on all flights, or at the very least, free date changes.

[Negin]

Just now, J-rap said:

If you know you'll be cancelling and that as of now you wouldn't get money back, then I'd hold off cancelling.  It could be that in another few weeks, the airlines will be offering refunds on all flights, or at the very least, free date changes.

Thank you. We were thinking the same thing. We tried to contact them a few times already, all to no avail. We'll hold off for now and see what happens. Hopefully, the airlines will offer refunds/free changes. 

[TravelingChris]

We were supposed to go on a Reformation tour of Germany and Switzerland with our now retired pastor and his wife and 22 others.  Most of the people are 60 and over.  There are probably about 7 of us who are younger, including one in her 20's and one in his 30's.  The rest of the less than 60 are in their 50s.  The tour group is figuring out how to postpone our tour.

[Arcadia]

8 hours ago, J-rap said:

If you know you'll be cancelling and that as of now you wouldn't get money back, then I'd hold off cancelling.  It could be that in another few weeks, the airlines will be offering refunds on all flights, or at the very least, free date changes.

 

8 hours ago, Negin said:

Thank you. We were thinking the same thing. We tried to contact them a few times already, all to no avail. We'll hold off for now and see what happens. Hopefully, the airlines will offer refunds/free changes. 

My in-laws were supposed to fly in to SFO in two weeks. They were asked if they want to cancel their flights last week when California started having so many cases. Before that they have to pay to change their tickets and no money back for cancellations. My in-laws wanted to come nonetheless but their daughter reminded them that there is a possibility of quarantine here and back home for them.

[Paige]

My pharmacy sent something home with my inhaler refills that they suggest I get the pneumonia vaccine. It has never been recommended for me by any of my doctors. Is this a new recommendation? I thought it was only for seniors. Did you all get the vaccine? 

[bibiche]

11 minutes ago, Paige said:

My pharmacy sent something home with my inhaler refills that they suggest I get the pneumonia vaccine. It has never been recommended for me by any of my doctors. Is this a new recommendation? I thought it was only for seniors. Did you all get the vaccine? 

My doctor recommends the vaccine for asthmatics. I have had it.

[popmom]

49 minutes ago, Paige said:

My pharmacy sent something home with my inhaler refills that they suggest I get the pneumonia vaccine. It has never been recommended for me by any of my doctors. Is this a new recommendation? I thought it was only for seniors. Did you all get the vaccine? 

Everything I have read says that you can get the vaccine, but it won't protect you from the type of pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article240916181.html

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by popmom

[MEmama]

11 hours ago, J-rap said:

If you know you'll be cancelling and that as of now you wouldn't get money back, then I'd hold off cancelling.  It could be that in another few weeks, the airlines will be offering refunds on all flights, or at the very least, free date changes.

 

11 hours ago, Negin said:

Thank you. We were thinking the same thing. We tried to contact them a few times already, all to no avail. We'll hold off for now and see what happens. Hopefully, the airlines will offer refunds/free changes. 

Delta is offering no fee date changes through the end of this year. We are holding off cancelling our April trip in case they cancel our flights altogether, in which case we should get a full refund due to services not rendered. We are definitely cancelling, though we might take a hit on hotels (unless again, those cities are quarantined or shut). This is the one time I feel like waiting might be more advantageous than cancelling “too” early.

[Arcadia]

Crosspost

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3074988/coronavirus-some-recovered-patients-may-have

“Coronavirus: some recovered patients may have reduced lung function and are left gasping for air while walking briskly, Hong Kong doctors find

• Hospital Authority releases its findings after observing the first group of discharged coronavirus patients
• Some patients might have a drop of about 20 to 30 per cent in lung function, says medical director of Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital”

[popmom]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What People With Asthma Need to Know

 

https://community.aafa.org/blog/coronavirus-2019-ncov-flu-what-people-with-asthma-need-to-know?fbclid=IwAR039RbLnogVIVhrVHDpABK61XfJwD413hNuBrBofDI87zackoNQkgEG1EU

[Pippen]

Some areas of the country are experiencing a shortage of Albuterol inhalers now, due to treating COVID-19 patients. 

A message to asthma sufferers about a shortage of albuterol metered dose inhalers From the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

https://acaai.org/news/message-asthma-sufferers-about-shortage-albuterol-metered-dose-inhalers

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill (March 20, 2020) - Certain areas of the country are experiencing shortages of albuterol inhalers. The shortage will probably spread throughout the U.S., although it is not a production problem. The shortage is occurring because of the increased use of albuterol inhalers in hospitals for COVID-19 and suspected COVID-19 patients to help with respiratory issues.  There is a concern that nebulizers used on patients with COVID-19 in the hospital could spread the virus in the air. But the possible risk is to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 – not to patients using their nebulizer at home as directed.

It is important if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect you may have COVID-19 and are using a nebulizer at home, that you know the virus may persist in droplets in the air for 1-2 hours. Therefore, you should administer nebulized albuterol in a location that minimizes exposure to members of your household who aren’t infected. Choose a location for your treatment where air is not recirculated into the home – places like a porch or patio, or in a garage – areas where surfaces can be cleaned more easily or may not need cleaning.

What should you do if you or your child are having trouble getting an albuterol inhaler? The recommendations below from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) offer practical ideas for coping:

First, don’t panic. Check your inhaler to make sure it still has medicine.
1. If necessary, you can likely use your expired albuterol inhaler as it is probably still at least partially effective.
2. If you can’t get a refill on your metered dose inhaler, contact your allergist or health care provider as there are other options available which they can prescribe.
3. It is important that you not overuse your albuterol inhaler, as one canister should last for months.
4. ACAAI will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Updated March 23, 2020